I just had a dear, dear friend diagnosed with breast cancer,
and part of me was shocked that this disease could happen to anyone that I
held close. Maybe it is my lack of experience with the disease, as I haven’t
had anyone really close to me what has had it. Maybe it is my hopes and dreams
that every being that is in my life will be healthy and live a long life. Regardless of my hopes and dreams, I was
faced with the reality that people get sick, that people I love and care about
get sick, and that’s part of this wonderful journey of life.
I didn’t cry, I didn’t panic, and I just let it sit in my
being and welcomed whatever it was I was feeling. I can’t say that I was in
denial, because I wasn’t (and still am not), but I wasn’t reacting to it. I was
accepting it. Which, is a new experience for me. A year ago I would have
reacted and freaked out and probably made her freak out and cry. But I didn’t.
I just let it sink in. I looked into her eyes and her listened to her every
word. I offered a smile, and I hope love across the table. I don’t think this
would have been possible if I wasn’t practicing meditation—I am a worry wort
and I used to jump to the worst case scenarios as fast as possible, but I
haven’t been doing that lately. And I think it’s because of the Buddhists
teachings I hear on a regular basis, the work I’ve done in myself, the
awareness I am gaining from it all.
Instead, I offered love, compassion, and laughter. I cracked
jokes, I told her she was going to be fine, that we just gotta take things one
step at a time, and that whatever happens will happen. It doesn’t sound wise,
and I am sure most people said similar things, but I said it with 100% faith. I
said it with my whole being and I knew, that no matter what, this journey would
be one of learning, love, faith, laughter (of course), and appreciation.
We’ll see where this journey goes… that’s all I can do.
